The U.S. government said in response to a lawsuit it will not stop force-feeding prisoners at the military facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during Ramadan.

In court papers arguing against a petition filed by detainees, the United States said the feedings provide essential nutrition and medical care and don't interfere with the detainees fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins Monday evening, CNN reported.

Navy Capt. Robert Durand, spokesman for the facility, said the feedings would be carried out in the early morning and late evening to help detainees comply with Ramadan restrictions.